Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved welfare and administrative issues, leading to the closure of the commission’s offices across the country.
The industrial action began on Monday after several rounds of discussions between staff representatives and the commission’s management failed to produce an agreement. The workers said they had no choice but to suspend their duties after long-standing concerns about welfare, promotions, training opportunities, and institutional governance remained unresolved.
Despite the strike, operational personnel responsible for critical industry activities were reportedly exempted from the action. This decision was taken to ensure that essential oil and gas operations continue while negotiations between both parties remain ongoing.
According to information gathered, the workers are demanding significant reforms within the commission. One of their major concerns is the current cost-of-collection arrangement, particularly the one per cent allocation granted to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The employees argue that the existing structure has reduced the financial strength and operational effectiveness of the upstream regulator. They believe that a review of the arrangement is necessary to improve the commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
In addition, the workers expressed concerns about what they described as an operator-style approach to regulation adopted by the commission. According to them, this has created overlaps in responsibilities within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory system, making it difficult to maintain clear distinctions between regulatory and operational functions.
Another key issue raised by the workers is remuneration. They are demanding salary structures that better reflect compensation levels within the broader oil and gas industry. Staff members believe that their current earnings do not adequately match the standards and expectations associated with the sector.
The striking workers also accused management of failing to prioritize staff development and career advancement. They claimed that opportunities for training, promotions, and professional growth have not received the attention they deserve, affecting both junior and senior employees.
A major point of disagreement reportedly revolves around staff training programmes. Workers are dissatisfied with the commission’s preference for conducting capacity-building initiatives locally instead of providing more international training opportunities. They argue that overseas programmes can offer broader exposure, specialized expertise, and valuable industry experience.
While the strike has affected administrative activities within the commission, the NUPRC has assured stakeholders that the country’s oil and gas production remains unaffected.
Speaking on the development, the commission’s spokesman, Eniola Akinkuotu, confirmed the industrial action and acknowledged that some office operations had been disrupted. However, he emphasized that oil and gas facilities continue to operate normally and that national energy security has not been threatened.
Akinkuotu added that the commission’s top management is currently engaging with union representatives in an effort to resolve the issues and bring the strike to an end. He expressed optimism that ongoing discussions would restore normal operations and address the concerns raised by workers.
The strike highlights growing concerns among employees over welfare, compensation, and professional development, while stakeholders await a resolution that could restore stability within one of Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory institutions.
